...the BlaQuesmith
About Dr. Smith
Dr. Ramel Smith was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is a product of the Milwaukee Public School system. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He later went to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned his Masters of Science in Educational Psychology and Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Education with an emphasis in School Psychology.
Early in his career, Dr. Smith served in varying capacities in the Milwaukee Public School system. His commitment to improving the lives for the youth of Milwaukee remains a primary focus for the work that he does in the community. In addition to his work in public education, he has worked in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Additionally, Dr. Smith has also taught undergraduate and graduate courses at UW- Milwaukee, Marian University, Springfield College and Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology.
In 2007, Smith founded BLAQUESMITH Psychological Consultative Services, LLC. In this capacity, Dr. Smith utilizes a unique skill set to illuminate, educate and empower individuals and organizations. He conducts scores of workshops, seminars and presentations to businesses, governmental entities, faith-bassed organizations, and educational milieus. Dr. Smith has authored several scholarly journal articles and book chapters, edited a book and co-authored another book entitled "Building Better Men." Smith is often called upon as an expert by the local and national outlets. He has served as the resident Psychologist for the Earl Ingram show on WMCS 1290, Black Nouveau and Fresh Start Program on WNOV 860. This Spring 2015 Dr. Smith authored a 12 part series for the Milwaukee Community Journal newspaper. The series sheds light on the various issues that plague our community and provides shovel-ready interventions for all who want to help make our community a better place for our children.
Smith, affectionately known as "The BLAQUESMITH," believes his strength comes from the love and support of his faith, family and friends. He lives by the words of his maternal grandmother who taught him, "the best way to heal yourself is to help others." He does multiple service projects within the city of Milwaukee with his fraternity brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., through his company and as an Urban Campus Board Ambassador of the YMCA. Dr. Smith is a proud father, son, husband and brother.
Dr. Smith's Philosophy
Dr. Smith understands the reciprocal effect of our actions. It is a concept that is universally recognized. Christians refer to it as ‘Sowing and Reaping.” Buddhists refer to it as Karma. Agnostics refer to it as the universal law of reciprocity. The law of return is a concept that transcends race, culture, sex, religious affiliation, and other separating demographics. The foundation of Smith’s theoretical orientation is rooted in the cognitive behavioral approach, but he effectively employs an eclectic arsenal tailored made for the person or situation. His personal philosophy revolves around the fact that all sentient beings need help– in some form of fashion. And, interestingly, he has learned the more we help others, the more we really heal ourselves.
We Must Continue to Lift as We Climb
In order for one to be in a position to help others, one needs to fortify three areas in their life: The Mind, The Body, and The Soul. These entities are equally important. When any of the three are not properly cared for, one is not able to achieve their maximum potential. The training style formulated by Smith is designed to enrich your mind, strengthen the body, and edify the wounds of the soul. Dr. Smith is often referred to as the “Total Package or TP” by his family, friends and colleagues. The title of “TP” was bequeathed upon him because he embodies the Mind, Body, Soul paradigm that he presents and teaches. Full of confidence, but free of arrogance; Dr. Smith willingly accepts the Total Package title, but reiterates he is not the Perfect Package. He understands he is on a never ending journey of self-improvement and self-enlightenment that requires he continues on the arduous journey to climb this mountain we call life; yet, he understands his responsibility to continue to lift others in the process.
Behind the Name...the BlaQuesmith
Innately, the world has given each individual many unique characteristics (e.g., size of our nose, feet, lips, and ears) that set us apart; however, many of these traits are beyond our control. The naming of a person, a pet, or object is important and significant and one of the first things we control to help identify us. It is significant, because a name represents what the person is meant to embody. The name of this company was chosen with the same care, consideration, detail, and love.
BLAQUESMITH was chosen for several reasons...
REASON #1
As Latin is the foundation of all languages, the trade of blacksmithing was the foundation for many other trades, specifically in colonial America—though this trade dates back to Ancient Egypt. The name of this trade was derived from a simple but meaningful process. Smith means to strike; and, the metal that was struck was black—hence the name blacksmith (also known as “The smith”). The smith worked in a forge (also known as a smithy). In order for the smith to be effective, he needed something to place the metal on (an anvil), something to hit it with (hammer), and something to heat it on. These were all in the forge with other supplementary instruments to help perfect his craft. The smith took great respect in the fact that they made the very instruments they needed to use for their profession
In times of antiquity, every village had a blacksmith; in fact, the smith was responsible for making everything. For example, the smith made agricultural tool, weapons for war, anchors for ships, locks, utensils, and iron rims for carriages, just to name a few. The smith was not only responsible for making things, but also fixing things (e.g., horseshoes). The process consisted of the smith drawing the metal, upsetting the metal, shrinking the metal, bending the metal, and punching the metal. Many recognized the smith as an artist, but sometimes failed to recognize the rigorous effort it took to make such a piece of equipment. The importance of the smith started to wane as the Industrial Revolution changed the context of American society.
REASON #2
Initially, the original meaning of the name for this company was derived with the simplicity as the true smith. The name Smith was passed on through the blood of line of my father and his father, and so on. It is true this name was inherited from a slave master; however, since it was given from my father, it is accepted with great pride. The name Black was chosen because it represented my race. It was important for me that the word black become synonymous with something good and positive. After further consideration, the name sounded right, but did not look right. Something was missing. One of the major goals of this company was definitely to help serve and unite the Black community, but the overall mission is to serve the entire human race.
REASON #3
After our personal names, we learn to take pride in other names that represent us in some form or fashion. For example, people take pride in the name of their school, cities, churches, nations, sport teams, and organizations. A membership that has proven to be very influential in my life has been Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The guiding principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift have helped to create this Smith, as much as any family member, past coach or teacher. This fraternity is commonly known as the “Ques.” The mission of this fraternity is to uplift the community, the community of the world. Now, BlaQUE sounded like Black, but it represented the universal meaning that the name was designed to epitomize.
BLAQUESMITH PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTATION SERVICES
Just as the village smith was designed to help their communities build and repair equipment and instruments that were vital to everyday life; so is this company, so is this smith! Remember, to be successful, the smith needed something to place the metal on (an anvil), something to hit the metal with (hammer), and something to heat the metal on. Only today, the metal is much more precious and it will be hit with a metaphorical hammer derived from years of clinical training, empirical evidence, common sense, and love. The hard surface that replaces the anvil will be life experiences to determine the genesis of the true issue. The heat that will be employed to refine this metal is the truth. Only a sincere honesty about the situation, honest assessment of strengths and weaknesses, and dedication will produce the desired outcome. This Smith was designed to serve and uplift. This Smith was designed to strike. This blaquesmith is an artist of another type. This smiths’ craft revolves around the fixing and repairing of the mind, body, and soul.