Minneapolis, Minnesota – Caitlin Angelica, residing in a vibrant two-story home in south Minneapolis, is still grappling with the loss of her partner August Golden, a talented musician who tragically lost his life in the Nudieland mass shooting eight months ago. Memories of Golden permeate every corner of their shared home, from his beloved records on the shelves to a heartfelt tribute adorned with Polaroids and mementos illuminated by fairy lights.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the punk and queer communities in Minneapolis rallied around Angelica, offering support through shared meals, music, and a fire burning outside her home as a symbol of mourning and solidarity. Despite the outpouring of love and community support, the fear lingers among some members of the community, heightened by the knowledge that the perpetrators responsible for the shooting were still at large.
Recently, Hennepin County officials made a significant development in the case by arresting two teenagers, one of whom has been identified as Dominic Burris, now 18 years old. While this development may bring a sense of closure to some, Angelica expressed mixed emotions about the arrests, emphasizing the complexities of addressing gun violence and seeking justice without resorting to incarceration.
For Angelica, music has served as a vital element in her healing process following Golden’s death. She channels her grief and memories into music, using his guitars to stay connected to him. Through performances and songwriting, she honors Golden’s legacy and finds solace in sharing her music with others, reflecting on the beauty and pain of the journey she has endured.
The Nudieland house, a longstanding hub for the local punk community, stands as a testament to the spirit and creativity of artists who have found a home there over the years. Golden’s presence in the music scene was profound, and his impact continues to resonate through the memories and music shared by those who knew him.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic shooting, questions about justice, healing, and understanding loom large. Angelica’s journey, intertwined with music and memories of Golden, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength found in community, love, and the power of music to heal and uplift even in the darkest of times.