In August 2019, 23-year-old Elijah McClain died in the custody of police officers in Aurora, Colorado, and like so many others, he has been the subject of renewed calls for justice in the context of national protests against racism and police brutality.

Writing a heartfelt tribute to McClain on Instagram, Klay Thompson has loaned his own platform to the cause. He writes about the disproportionate policing of Black people, and encourages his fans to work with him on restructuring institutions.

“It will take so much work and effort from conscious citizens across the globe,” he writes. “So many institutions need restructuring (voting rights, police procedures, minority representation in politics).”

 

 

Elijah McCain, A gentle soul who played violin to lonely kittens in his spare time. Was murdered by Aurora CO police officers ( who still roam free ) for looking “suspicious” on his way home from the convenient store. Now remember, this is the same police force that apprehended James Holmes after slaying 12 people and injuring 70 others at an Aurora movie theatre midnight screening. They subdued him without a scratch on his body. There is no debate that men , woman and children of color are “policed” to a much harsher and catastrophic standard than white america . Waking up to the news of another murder of an unarmed brother, sister, mother, father or friend is so mentally draining and demoralizing and sometimes feels like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. But there is ✨....it will take so much work and effort from conscious citizens across the globe. So many institutions need restructuring ( voting rights, police procedures , minority representation in politics ) Let’s help bring justice to Elijah and his family. As well as so many others who will never be forgotten and rest in power Follow @grassrootslaw to see how we can all impact real change

A post shared by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) on

While the NBA appears to be headed towards a return, the Black Lives Matter movement remains at the forefight of many players’ minds, and players have found numerous ways to make an impact.

While the protests initially focused on the murder of George Floyd, they have since expanded to include calls for justice for others including McClain and Breonna Taylor.

h/t Instagram/klaythompson