Advocacy is an organic part of Larry Malcolm Smith Jr.’s DNA. At 8 years old, he attended his first protest. Witnessing people advocate for social injustice lit a fire that’s still ablaze for this New York City native. His youth was challenging as he traversed the foster care system, shifting between 23 different homes. Smith experienced physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse but his unfortunate childhood now fuels his advocacy to uplift foster youth and change a system that has hurt so many. (He’s even embraced a different name for himself: IAMQUEENS.) As a top student at North Carolina A&T State University, Smith was essential in the development of the “March for Forgotten Youth” in New York City. He graduated with his BS in African American Studies, Political Science and Entrepreneurship and is pursuing his Masters in Education at Harvard University, where he’s enriching his voice to continue advocating for Black foster youth. — J.S.M.