30th Anniversary: School of Hard Knocks

This year marks the 30th anniversary of School of Hard Knocks (SOHK), the clothing brand founded by my father and late grandfather in the 1990s.

Shop the collection here!

For those who remember the brand, you might recognize its unmistakable Wildstyle logo and bold graphics from episodes of Martin or on artists like Jay-Z, Nas, and Busta Rhymes. And if you're from Queens, New York, there's a good chance you've seen the iconic Queens7 tees everywhere from Jamaica to East Elmhurst.

Origins of the American Dream

The story of School of Hard Knocks begins with my grandfather, Ortner "Von" Murray, who immigrated to New York from Manzanilla, Trinidad and Tobago, in the late 1960s. He embodied perseverance and believed deeply in the promise of the American dream for himself and for future generations of his family. He often said he came to America to give his family "a shot" at pursuing their biggest dreams.

What began as a small shoe repair shop eventually evolved into Von's Sneaker Store, a neighborhood institution that my father, Gerard Murray, and my grandfather built together. They went on to secure the first Black-owned Nike account which was a groundbreaking achievement in an industry where Black ownership was rarely recognized. Their success opened doors for others while proving what was possible through vision, persistence, and community.

Beyond sneakers, they launched School of Hard Knocks, a streetwear brand that reflected the spirit of the people it represented.

Growing up inside that store became my first education in entrepreneurship. I didn't just witness a family business, I witnessed the power of community. The shop was more than a place to buy sneakers or clothing… It was a gathering place where people felt seen, welcomed, and connected. Saturdays at the store are some of my strongest memories. The conversations, the music, the constant flow of familiar faces, and the respect my father and grandfather earned through the way they treated everyone who walked through the door.

That sense of community became the foundation of everything I believe a brand should be.

SOHK's Message To The World

One of the defining elements of every SOHK shirt was what appeared on the back: the motto. More than a slogan, it became a philosophy—a tribute to those who carved their own path, rejected conventional routes, and built meaningful lives through determination, creativity, and resilience.

A GOOD EDUCATION IS AN ESSENTIAL PART TO SUCCESS. HOWEVER, ONE MUST HAVE A CERTAIN RESPECT AND ADMIRATION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THEIR MARKS WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF THE TRADITIONAL UNIVERSITY EDUCATION. THE CULTURE THAT WE CALL STREET HAS GIVEN BIRTH TO SOME OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AND INSIGHTFUL PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. MANY OF US WOULD NOT BE HERE TODAY WERE IT NOT FOR THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE WE ACQUIRED AND THE DUES WE PAID ON THE STREETS. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR THE STREET SENSE AND INSTINCT.

THERE IS NO SCHOOL TOUGHER THAN THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS!

Thirty years later, those words carry just as much meaning.

School of Hard Knocks has always been about the courage and tenacity required to pursue something greater than yourself while recognizing those who made that journey possible. It's about honoring our families, our communities, and our ancestors, whose sacrifices and lessons continue to shape our imagination, creativity, and ambition.

That legacy is still being written.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of School of Hard Knocks, we're proud to relaunch the brand, beginning with the return of its iconic looks. 

SHOP THE NEW COLLECTION HERE!

Follow @sohkoriginal for exclusive updates, upcoming releases, and the next chapter of the legacy.

Thank you for being part of the journey. We can't wait to share the next chapter of our family's legacy with you.