Local superhero to premiere documentary about spreading holiday cheer to all 50 states
Yuri Williams has traversed the country bringing toys to sick and disabled children numerous times. Watch him on his journey this Saturday at the Art Theatre of Long Beach.
Yuri Williams’ mom died of cancer in 2009.
After taking some time off following her death, Williams was heading back to work when he tried to call her. He had always called his mom before his shift as an Orange County corrections officer.
Old habits are hard to break.
“The phone just rang and rang and rang,” Williams, who is now 47, recalled. “I just start bawling because this is when I know that she’s not gonna pick the phone up anymore.”
Williams fell into a years-long depression where he “almost lost himself,” but eventually turned that pain into purpose. He started a nonprofit, A Future Superhero, to serve local communities as well as those around the country.
To date, Williams has traveled to all 50 states — five times — delivering Christmas cheer to the unhoused and children in need. Now, Williams is set to premiere "Hope for the Holidays," a documentary that follows one of the trips, at the Art Theatre of Long Beach.
