TEXARKANA -- People from all backgrounds will come together Saturday, May 20, in downtown Texarkana to walk -- or run -- with "no agendas, no labels ... no cause other than just walking together with thoughts of love."
The Be Like CJ Foundation will host its second annual walk at downtown Texarkana's Front Street Festival Plaza. This year's theme is "Walk of Love."
Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the walk will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly event is free and open to all ages.
The Be Like CJ Foundation was formed to continue the legacy of Cedrick "CJ" Harris Jr., an area teen who died after a tragic accident in 2021.
The Walk of Love was inspired by CJ's life.
Marie Ferdinand-Harris, CJ's mother, said the teen "walked in love every day by trying to share his time with others in an atmosphere of love, peace, kindness and empathy."
She encourages people to share those qualities with each other during the walk.
"Emptying everything else in our minds and for that walk, ... sharing love for one another. Being there in that love is all that matters. Just love. Just CJ."
This year's walk will feature $500 in prizes, DJ Hollygrove, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, games, cheer teams and a 360 photo booth.
Participants who cross the Walk of Love finish line will be eligible for one of five $100 prizes, sponsored by Whites Family Clinic of Ashdown, Ark. Winners will be announced at the end of the event.
The foundation's goal is to share with students the importance of living a loving life.
"Our mission is to inspire children and families nationwide by uniting people of different backgrounds through service, sports programs, and by teaching the values of respect and humility. Our foundation will help children build self-confidence and other essential life skills that will have a lasting and positive impact on their lives and the lives of others."
Two Be Like CJ Scholarship recipients will be announced at the event.
Before the walk, Mayor Allen Brown of Texarkana, Ark., will read a proclamation naming May 20 as CJ Day. Mayor Bob Bruggeman of Texarkana, Texas, and Mayor Trey Cobb of Ashdown, Ark., will also be in attendance.
For more information, to donate to the foundation or register for the Walk of Love, visit BeLikeCJ.org.