Black excellence has never been just about survival—it’s been about thriving, innovating, and creating industries that others could only imitate. The They Copied the Hustle, Not the Struggle tee is a testament to the unrecognized contributions of Black pioneers in finance, beauty, entertainment, and food.

This isn’t just a shirt—it’s a lesson in history. It calls out the ways in which Black culture and entrepreneurship have been repurposed without acknowledgment of the struggle behind them. From the foundations of Wall Street to the rise of soul food and jazz, this design demands recognition for those who built without access, thrived without assistance, and succeeded despite the odds.

They took the ideas. They took the profits. But they will never understand the journey.