The differing ideas of freedmen and freedwomen about their "liberty" greatly shape the lives they build after slavery. In the passages, Keckley highlights that freedmen often prioritized economic independence and sought opportunities to establish themselves as skilled workers and businessmen. For example, she mentions that many freedmen started their own businesses, such as blacksmith shops or brick yards, in order to secure financial stability. This focus on economic empowerment allowed freedmen to establish themselves as self-sufficient individuals, contributing to the growth of their communities.

On the other hand, Keckley also presents the perspective of freedwomen, who focused on familial and communal relationships as their primary form of liberation. Keckley mentions that freedwomen were driven by the desire to reunite with their families, who had been torn apart by slavery. For them, liberty meant being able to create a nurturing and stable environment for their children. This led freedwomen to prioritize building strong communities and supporting each other through networks of shared experiences.