Joel Chandler Harris was an American journalist, fiction writer, and folklorist, best known for his collection of stories featuring Uncle Remus, a character who shares African American folklore. Born on December 9, 1848, in Georgia, Harris grew up in the South and was influenced by the rich oral traditions of the region. Harris worked as a newspaper editor and wrote for several publications, where he popularized the tales of Br'er Rabbit and other characters. His stories, published in the late 19th century, highlighted the cultural heritage of African Americans and contributed to the preservation of Southern folklore. Harris passed away on July 3, 1908.