FOREVER #24

Kindness changes everything.

Inspired by CJ Harris, we unite children and families of different backgrounds through service and sports.

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CJ with a huge smile and braces, sitting next to his father Cedrick

Now registering: BeLikeCJ Skills Training + Game for ages 8–14, starting Saturday, December 5. The 7th–8th grade Winter Development League is underway.

See the details
A short film inspired by the real kindness of CJ Harris.

EVERYBODY DESERVES A FRIEND

Somewhere today, someone is sitting alone.

Every school has a kid who walks the hall hoping not to be noticed, and a table where the seat beside them stays empty.

CJ noticed those kids. He was the star athlete and one of the most popular kids in school, and he still crossed the room to make them feel like they mattered.

CJ can’t cross that room anymore. You can.

Become an Ultimate Teammate Bring BeLikeCJ to Your School

CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS

SwingLab-Harris brings home the championship!

SwingLab-Harris players showing their championship rings around the E9 Big Stick Battle champion banner

Congratulations to SwingLab-Harris on winning the E9 Big Stick Battle championship, hosted by Travel Sports (Elite 9) Tournaments!

Before Sunday’s championship game, the boys gathered for a powerful devotion from 2 Kings 5, reflecting on the story of Naaman and the importance of humility, obedience, and trusting God, even when His instructions challenge our expectations.

What a meaningful way to prepare for competition: taking time to grow in faith and reflect on the character they carry onto the field and into everyday life.

At BeLikeCJ, we believe sports offer opportunities to build confident athletes, compassionate teammates, and young people who lead with purpose. Seeing these boys make room for God’s Word while pursuing their goals reflects the heart of that mission.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families! We celebrate your championship and the lessons that will stay with you long after the final out.

Keep working hard, staying humble, and being the kind of teammate who makes others better. BeLikeCJ!

Coaches and players in blue gathered around a picnic table for a devotion before the championship game
The team’s devotion from 2 Kings 5 before Sunday’s championship game.
Marie Ferdinand-Harris and her son CJ smiling together at a ball field at dusk CJ smiling in his baseball uniform and cap Two number 24 Harris Jr. jerseys, one white and one gold

MEET CJ

The star who looked for the kid who needed a friend.

CJ was the star athlete, an honor roll student, a member of the student council, and one of the most popular kids in school. Still, he was drawn to the kids who needed a friend, and he always took time to make sure everyone felt important and like they mattered.

“Sports is what we do, but it’s not who we are.”

Read CJ’s Story

What it means to BeLikeCJ

The seven traits at the heart of the book, Be Like CJ: Traits of a Superhero.

Caring
Ultimate teammate
Special
Humble
Respectful
Encouraging
Determined

Ways we build young people

NOW REGISTERING

Their growth starts now.

Did your child miss making their school basketball team? Our program helps 7th–8th grade boys and girls build skills, grow confidence, and gain game experience in a positive, encouraging environment.

Register Now
Starts
November 14, 2026, nine Saturday sessions
Skills Training + Game
Ages 8–14 · Saturdays year-round, 12:00–1:30 PM · winter session begins December 5
Winter Development League
Girls 2:00–4:00 PM, Boys 4:15–6:15 PM · next league Summer 2027
Each session
One hour of skill training, then a development league game
Where
North Heights Community School, 2118 E. 35th St., Texarkana, AR 71854
Sponsored by
SWEPCO

Jr. NBA/WNBA League

Youth basketball in Texarkana, presented by the BeLikeCJ Foundation.

See the league

Ultimate Teammate Academy

Coming soon for high schools. Lead with heart. Grow through hard things. Prepare for life.

Bring it to your school
A smiling boy holding a copy of the Be Like CJ book

The Book & Curriculum

Be Like CJ: Traits of a Superhero teaches leadership and friendship through CJ’s story.

Get the book
Southwestern Electric Power Company Foundation (SWEPCO)

THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM SPONSOR

SWEPCO’s generous sponsorship of the BeLikeCJ Jr. NBA/WNBA Youth Program helps Ark-La-Tex kids build basketball skills, confidence, and leadership, on and off the court.

Meet the Jr. NBA/WNBA League

GIVING BACK

Love you can see in the community.

The Walk of Love, the BeLikeCJ Award and Birthday Celebration, student scholarships, the Turkey Feast and Giveaway, and the Christmas Toy Drive all create opportunities for connection and care.

OUR IMPACT SINCE APRIL 2021

3,500+

families impacted

500+

Thanksgiving turkeys, 100 every year

350+

athletes poured into every year

10

scholarships to student-athletes

See Our Community Impact
Cedrick, Marie and two supporters smiling on a track in BeLikeCJ Walk of Love Sports Edition shirts Cedrick with a beaming child holding a holiday gift bag Holiday gift bags arranged under a Season of Giving #BeLikeCJ banner Marie and Cedrick with two students holding BeLikeCJ scholarship checks

Voices for CJ

Shaquille O’Neal
Chris Paul
Ed Orgeron

Be an Ultimate Teammate.

CJ wore #24. Give $24, once or every month, and help us inspire children and families through service and sports.

Give $24 monthly Give $24 once Give another amount

BeLikeCJ Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 86-3222031.

Angel Reese giving two thumbs up in a Be the Ultimate Teammate #BeLikeCJ shirt
Angel Reese rocking the #BeLikeCJ shirt.

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Shop the Collegiate, Color, Ultimate Teammate, Athlete, and Love collections.

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Purple Be the Ultimate Teammate T-shirt Teal BeLikeCJ T-shirt with a red heart graphic Gold Be the Ultimate Teammate hoodie

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