Brian Duane Porter- Hawkins

Brian was born on June 1, 1979 to Cassandra Hawkins and Duane B. Porter. His first love of the arts manifested itself when he was about in the 3rd Grade. He would gather the neighborhood kids on his front stoop doing poetry. As he progressed through the Birmingham City School System, Brian was exposed to the art of music while learning the saxophone, xylophone, and chimes. During his middle and high school years, Brian further expanded his love for and talents in the arts while working with the Birmingham Museum of Art installing murals throughout the City of Birmingham. He graduated from Ensley High School in 1997 and went on to attend Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. While at Mississippi State, Brian Co-founded “We Are Rtists.”

            During his adult years, Brian achievements included the following: creative director and founder of Bars and Brews at the Birmingham Public Library; The Color Project; Featured in Poetry Magazine; Long-Term Poet at the Carver Theater; and published The Devil Came to Alabama, Book of Poems. Additionally, he had been invited to University of South Alabama to lecture and perform in November 2021. 

            He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted mother; Cassandra Miles-Patton. A devoted father; Duane B. Porter. Three sons; Nehemiah, Akili and Noah. Two brothers; Reginald Miles, Sr.; Romeo Jenkins. A sister; Tashima Newberry. His long-time partner; Deidre Clark. A grandmother; Thelma Moorer. A grandfather; Joe Hawkins, Sr. Eight aunts; Felicia (Rickie) Dunkins, Shannon Porter, Sarah (Charlie) Jones, Michelle Hawkins, Gwen (Bill) Gibson, Toni (William) Hines, Patricia Porter, Bonita (Larry) Hadley. One uncle; Joe (Roxanne) Hawkins. Good friend; Lenzy Gaiter; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Duane Porter- Hawkins, please visit our floral store.