Pitts' book, "A Victory of Sorts: Desegregation in a Southern Community," explores the unequal education provided for white and African-American children in the school systems of Gainesville City and Hall County, Ga., from their inception in the late 19th century. The book recounts the desegregation process in Gainesville. Gains, as well as losses, by African-Americans are analyzed through artifacts and interviews with those who were involved. The book offers a thorough study of the history of Gainesville and Hall County Schools, particularly E.E. Butler High School, as a microcosm of the effects of African-American school closings in the 1960s and 1970s. The book is intended to lead readers to a greater understanding of the African-American experience in the desegregation of American public schools.

"Much of the material in my book came from the doctoral dissertation I wrote for Georgia State University," Pitts said. "In 1999, Georgia State University recognized the dissertation with its 'Outstanding Dissertation Award.' I am pleased the publication of this book will make my study of desegregation in Gainesville, Ga., available to a wider audience and, hopefully, contribute to a broader understanding of the desegregation process in American public schools during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s," he said.

The book will be published by the University Press of America, Inc., and will be available for purchase locally on May 23 at Hastings in Cape Girardeau and at Southeast Bookstore.