Dekova Batey

DekovaBatey City of Gainesville Program Coordinator

Story By: Aneka Shinohara

The concept of community and outreach is displayed through the living embodiment of Dekova Batey, a 43-year old professional employed by the City of Gainesville, Florida for twenty-five years. His journey is one of true compassion and honest interest in helping persons to grow and become the best version of themselves that they can be.

Dekova came from a small family, living in Gainesville Housing Authority properties with his mother and two younger sisters. He attended the Greater New Salem Baptist Church where he was exposed to a range of leadership and growth opportunities, being the only youth at the time. He was mentored by Deacon Alzene Davis, who took him under his wing, groomed him in the process of becoming a young man, and paved the way for his future profession.

Not only did Dekova grow in church, but he also carried these skills and interests throughout his time in high school. He started as President of the Medical Club at Eastside High School , where his initial career path was to become a doctor. He took part in the Help Occupation Students of America Group where they volunteered at hospitals and helped with patient care. He then became active in student government where he mingled with more young adults and sharpened his leadership skills.

The inspiration that pushed him into the area of outreach was attributed to his cousin, the late Geleta Daliyeese Bolen. She is a recognized music prodigy who recommended him to be the representative of their church and encouraged him to do his best. This opened the door for him being involved in conferences on how to assist the youth, mold them, shape them, and strengthen his leadership ability.

His advice for anyone looking to be involved in their community and interested in guiding people is to simply “get involved.” He highlights that most communities have lost their flavor because the history is downplayed or unknown. This is key in how the youth grow and assimilate, impacting the choices they make and what they want for their future. To be able to guide and direct, being genuinely involved in the community and its residents, is the first and most important step. Talk to the neighbors, take part in neighborhood development and connect in any way you can.

This is the philosophy that Dekova lives by. His greatest accomplishment is just seeing the success in students that have matured. Watching them grow and impacting their lives for the greater good gives him a warm feeling in his heart. The only challenge he has encountered is how to communicate with the youth. Different ages require a different approach, but he puts in the effort to get his message across the right way. Even now as the 2020 pandemic is still active, he has shifted to connecting virtually within the community and among the staff accompanying him. He is still offering services, teaching and reaching out because there is never really an end to outreach.