The weight of systemic racism in the U.S. is weighing heavily on Klay Thompson.

The Golden State Warriors star paid tribute to Elijah McClain on Thursday. Thompson, 30, expressed his heartache for McClain, 23, who died after being detained by police in Colorado last year.

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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

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“There is no debate that men, women and children of colour are ‘policed’ to a much harsher and catastrophic standard than white America,” Thompson wrote. “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,” the basketball player assured. “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).”

Ellen DeGeneres and Alyssa Milano also urged the public to inform themselves about McClain’s case.

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“Terminator” star and former Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger shared a petition seeking justice for McClain.

McClain was stopped by police on his way home from a convenience store on August 24, 2019. Officers were responding to a 9-1-1 call about a “suspicious person.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis has promised that his administration will re-examine the case.