He sought out opportunities for personal growth and education. This was his way of protesting his old life and refusing to let his past define his future. As a free man, he pursued several occupations and became an active member of his community. Peter Bruner’s narrative not only exposes the brutal realities of slavery, but he also highlights the complexities of human nature amid oppression. Despite enduring and witnessing unimaginable suffering at the hands of a fellow human, his determination shines through. This is proven in his unwavering pursuit of freedom, and it speaks volumes about the spirit of those who dared to defy the shackles of enslavement. Throughout his journey, although Bruner faced countless challenges and setbacks, he refused to succumb to despair. His relentless courage in the face of brutality is exemplified when he says, “I resolved to be free or die trying.” This commitment to liberty underscores the universal human longing for autonomy and displays how that transcends into the confines of class, race, and circumstance. Bruner’s post-emancipation endeavors underscore the transformative power of education and