Martell Event Honoree Detroit vs Everybody [Photos]

It’s a movement. A Detroit movement. A Detroit movement vs everybody. That’s a tall order to fill and Tommy Walker Jr. creator of Detroit vs. Everybody knows that Detroit is up to the challenge. Nationwide Martell honors those who defy and exceed expectations. The most recent event was held at Detroit’s PV Lounge Tuesday evening. The honoree Tommy Walker Jr. was chosen out of a panel of five participants for his new brand, Detroit vs. Everybody. Attendees included supporters of Martell and Detroit vs Everybody. We asked how the collaboration came into effect and this is what Rob Hillson, National Icon for Martell and Tommy Walker Jr., Detroit vs. Everybody creator had to say:
How did the Detroit vs. Everybody brand come about?
Tommy: Being born and raised in Detroit I’ve seen how much Detroit has contributed to the culture of America and they pick and choose what they want to give Detroiter’s credit. To take a quote from Black peace owned Nation; Your going to be with us, your going to be all the way with us, if you are going to be against us you are going to be all the way against us. So we have taken on that spirit and I wanted to create a brand that spoke from the heart of the city.
Where will you branch out next?
Tommy: Well, we are inside the city of Detroit and branching out to Atlanta vs Everybody LA vs Everybody and New York vs Everybody. With New York it will be different boroughs.
What do you hope to accomplish when all this is done?
Tommy: For the Detroit vs Everybody brand to be an ID. eventually we will expand to a household name like Nike with the swoop. People will have the opportunity to get their personalized name vs everybody.
Tell us more about your brand and where we can purchase items.
Tommy: The brand has been going on for about three years. Everything is manufactured and designed here in Detroit. I design everything. There is a brick and mortar store in Greek town by Fishbone’s suite 340 and in the next two months we will have another location in Eastern market. The store provides sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, baseball caps, ladies yoga pants, skull caps, fresheners to even coffee mugs. It’s a lifestyle brand.
So how does the lifestyle tie in with Martell?
Rob: Martell has been around for 300 years and the founder John Martell was all about defying and exceeding expectations. We personally believe that this brand has defied and exceeding expectations. People are sleeping on Detroit to say the least, sleeping on its growth and ability to be everything that we know it can. So the brand ties in. We’re here. We make a difference and an impact and that’s one of the reasons I love Detroit vs Everybody because it says I’m taking ownership of my community, my neighborhood and my city.
Hillson leaves with these inspiring words, “Always trust your ability and choose whats right for you and you will win.”