Meet Yuri Williams — a real life superhero who does extraordinary things. The Long Beach, California native, who has been a giver all of his life, recently traveled to 50 states in the U.S. for the second time to give gifts and bring smiles to people’s faces.
When he’s not working as a correctional officer for juveniles, he’s spending time visiting children’s hospitals, helping the elderly with chores, and inspiring the homeless while blessing them with things they need. “I’ love my job, but this is my calling,” says Yuri.
His mission started back in 2009, the year his beloved mother died of cancer. “I was in a dark tunnel for a long strong 5 years…,” says Yuri as he reflects on losing his mother.
While he was in mourning, Yuri created a Facebook page and the first person he came across was officer Tommy Norman — who is well known for his good deeds and kindness in his Little Rock, Arkansas community. Watching Officer Norman’s videos on social media made Yuri laugh and got him through the hard times after losing his mother.
Yuri was also fascinated by the positive impact Hip Hop Trooper was instilling in his community — by bringing joy to children while he’s dressed in costume.
So with the inspiration from Officer Tommy Norman, the unique approach through Hip Hop Trooper, and his love for Marvel characters, Yuri begin his own mission by creating A Future Superhero & Friends.
He then teamed up with Rodney Smith, Jr., founder of Raising Men Lawn Care Service, to embark the journey of visiting 50 states. Rodney, who has done the mission 8 times, joined Yuri to uplift people’s spirits around the holidays. The two drove to each mainland state, and then flew to Alaska and Hawaii. Yuri shared that after the tour, he doesn’t want to go home because of all the joyful energy on the road.
Every moment of their trip was documented, and when asked what does he say to people who asks why put the good deeds on video, this was his response:
Yuri is open to welcoming anyone who would like to pour positivity into the community. If interested, visit A Future Superhero & Friends for more details or you can contribute by donating through PayPal, Cash App: $afuturesuperhero, and Venmo: @futuresuperhero.
Thank you, Yuri for being a superhero for many and shining light into our communities.
