‘Walk of Love’ on May 20 in downtown Texarkana

The BeLikeCJ Foundation is hosting its second annual walk Saturday, May 20, 2023, in hopes of bringing the community together. "Walk of Love" will be at Front Street Festival Plaza. (Submitted photo)
The BeLikeCJ Foundation is hosting its second annual walk Saturday, May 20, 2023, in hopes of bringing the community together. "Walk of Love" will be at Front Street Festival Plaza. (Submitted photo)

TEXARKANA, Texas -- On Saturday, May 20, BeLikeCJ Foundation will host its second annual walk in hopes of bringing the community together.

The walk will take place in historic downtown Texarkana at Front Street Festival Plaza. This year's theme is "Walk of Love."

"The goal is to make this day a day of love," foundation co-founder Marie Harris said.

BeLikeCJ Foundation works to unite people from different backgrounds. According to a release from the BeLikeCJ Foundation, the Walk of Love was inspired by CJ's Life.

Cedrick Harris Jr., son of Marie and Cedrick Harris Sr., died after a tragic accident in 2021. Marie Harris described CJ as someone who was athletic, selfless and had a heart of gold.

"CJ was a star player but wanted no part of the star treatment," Harris said. "I think it's so important, especially in this day and age, to continue CJ's legacy, to continue the work he was doing while he was here."

The Walk of Love's goal is to share with students the importance of living a loving life. CJ walked in love by trying every day to share his time with others in an atmosphere of love, peace, kindness and empathy. CJ particularly looked out to share his love with those who appeared to need it the most.

"Our foundation is centered around love. ... We are always trying to figure out what can we do to help the kids be more loving towards each other," Harris said. "We're trying to do that through sports programs, services in the community and scholarships. That's the staple of our mission."

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the walk will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arkansas-side Mayor Allen Brown will be in attendance, and before the walk there will be a proclamation naming May 20 as CJ Day. At the end of the walk, there will be a video tribute to CJ along with several cheer teams from local schools, vendors, food trucks, a mental health table, a prayer table and much more.

This event is free and open to all ages, and participants can choose to walk or run. Those who register by May 5 will receive a free T-shirt.

BeLikeCJ Foundation is still looking for sponsors. For more information or to donate to the foundation or register for the Walk of Love, visit BeLikeCJ.org.

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