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Tenth Street Jewelry

By Delores Jones, produced by Alex Smith

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-637165.mp3

Kansas City, MO – Tenth Street Jewelry has been on the same block on North 10th Street in Kansas City, Kansas for more than 50 years. And at one time, it was the only place in Kansas City, Kansas that African Americans could have their watches repaired. Today, the store has customers across continents and it's known for these uniquely crafted gold and diamond pendants which resemble miniature Egyptian sculptures of King Tut and Queen Nefertiti. When William Boyice Sr. started the business along with his wife Clarice, he was denied access to jewelry parts, tools and other merchandise because he was black. He's retired now, but several his nine children still keep the store going. Delores Jones paid a visit recently to Tenth Street Jewelry, and talked to brothers Lester, William Jr. and Kelvin Boyice.

This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast.

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