Barbara G. Marthal is the owner and representative of SULI (Stories-U-Like, Inc.), where she provides seminars on storytelling, literature, and music for classrooms from kindergarten through grade twelve. She designs and conducts workshops that empower participants through stories, music, and creative movement. In addition to storytelling performances, she occasionally accepts speaking engagements.
Barbara earned her Bachelor of Arts from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Anthropology. She also holds a Master of Education in Reading and Story Arts from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee.
As a Civil War re-enactor, Barbara shares stories inspired by historical texts and family research from Tennessee’s Wilson and Davidson counties. Her mission is to give voice and face to Antebellum American people of African descent, particularly women—both enslaved and free.
Through her work, she seeks to move beyond one-dimensional portrayals of victimization and instead highlight individuals with identity, resilience, hope, love, and community.
Barbara lives with her husband, Bill Harris, an active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. She is also a member of the Confederate Belles in Tennessee. Together, they attend events and share the history of their ancestors during the Civil War.
“My mission is to give voice and face to Antebellum American people of African descent, particularly women—both enslaved and free.”