News Americas, New York, NY, October 4, 2024: The black immigrant and business advocacy community is mourning the death of Jamaican-born entrepreneur and business leader Fritz-Earle McLymont. A pioneering expert in entrepreneurial development, McLymont leaves behind a remarkable legacy of more than 50 years of fostering economic growth through private, nonprofit, and quasi-governmental enterprises both in the United States and abroad.
McLymont was a co-founder of the National Minority Business Council, Inc. and founder and managing partner of McLymont, Kunda & Co., an international trading and business development firm based in New York. His firm boasted a diverse portfolio of clients and projects throughout the US, Africa and the Caribbean. Since the 1970s, McLymont has been known for creating innovative programs that empowered small businesses in industries ranging from chemicals to agriculture, transportation, energy and media.
A passionate minority business advocate, he implemented award-winning education and training programs throughout the US and the Caribbean. McLymont’s leadership also saw him serve on numerous boards in both the private and non-profit sectors. His expertise was sought by the US federal government, where he held a key position on a commission focused on minority business development.
McLymont’s academic achievements were equally distinguished, with an undergraduate degree in business from Sir George Williams University (now Concordia University) in Montreal, Canada and postgraduate studies in Community Economic Development at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Throughout his career, he was recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame, the 2013 Malcolm X Unity Award, and the Order of the Pioneer Award at the Bronx Frontier Development Corp. His international roles included appointment as Roving Ambassador for the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as serving as an advisor to Paramount Chief Amiiru Songhoy.
One of the highlights of McLymont’s career was founding a specialty chemical manufacturing company in New York that earned “preferred supplier” status for the US federal government. His innovative business model and partnership with a major corporation earned recognition in The Wall Street Journal. In addition, Mc Lymont played a critical role in the development of Montego Bay’s municipal bus transportation system, a project that boosted the region’s tourism infrastructure. He also managed the export trading company for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, representing over 100 regional firms in global markets. His efforts were instrumental in changing the Port Authority’s attitude to business relations with South Africa.
McLymont’s passing marks the end of an era for many whose lives and businesses were transformed by his vision and leadership. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and advocates for minority business empowerment.
