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Frederick Tappan
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Frederick Tappan is an Independent candidate seeking election to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Representatives for District 6 in the 2026 general election 1. He self-describes as a longtime Memphis pastor, educator, and community leader who has served Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church for 29 years 2. Tappan is also a published author, former journalist, youth advocate, Harvard Leadership Institute graduate, and works as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies 2.
Tappanâs campaign platform emphasizes an "Education Foundation," the priority of literacy, a "Two Tract Education Plan" focusing on college and vocational training, and support for teachers 4. He has promoted these views through a video series titled "My Platform for Progress" 4. The 2026 election marks Memphisâ first partisan school board election, although no Republican candidates filed for the District 6 race 9. Tappan advanced from the Democratic primary to face other candidates in the general election 7.
Background and education
Dr. Frederick DeâWayne Tappan, Sr. is a Memphis-based pastor, educator, and community leader who has served as a pastor at Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church for 29 years 3. He self-describes as a published author, former journalist, and youth advocate 3.
Tappan holds a graduate degree from the Harvard Leadership Institute 3.
Career
Dr. Frederick DeâWayne Tappan, Sr. is a pastor who has served as the senior pastor of Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church in Memphis for 29 years 211. He is also a published author and former journalist 2. In his professional capacity outside of religious leadership, he works as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies 2.
Tappan holds a graduate degree from the Harvard Leadership Institute 2. He has previously served as a candidate for the Tennessee State Senate, seeking District 33 in October 2022 10.
Office history
Frederick Tappan is a candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education in District 6 1. He self-describes as a longtime Memphis pastor, educator, and community leader who has served Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church for 29 years 2. Tappan is also a published author, former journalist, and youth advocate who leads multiple community organizations and works as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies 2. He is a graduate of the Harvard Leadership Institute 2.
Tappan has run in previous elections for the same office. He was a candidate in the Democratic primary for District 6 of the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education in 2018 5. He also ran in the Democratic primary for District 6 in 2022 5.
Tappan is currently running in the 2026 election cycle for District 6 6. The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education elections transitioned to a partisan format in 2026, with Tappan running as a Democrat 9. He advanced from the Democratic primary held on May 5, 2026, to face other candidates in the general election 8.
Legislative record and accomplishments
Frederick Tappan is an independent candidate for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education, representing District 6 1. He does not hold current legislative office or committee assignments, as he has not been elected to a seat on the school board prior to the upcoming election 1.
Tappanâs platform emphasizes several key policy areas, including the establishment of an education foundation, the implementation of a "Two Tract Education Plan" that supports both college and vocational pathways, and a focus on literacy priorities 4. He also advocates for creating positive learning environments and providing support for teachers 4.
As a community leader, Tappan serves as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies and has led Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church for 29 years 3. He is a graduate of the Harvard Leadership Institute and describes himself as a published author, former journalist, and youth advocate 3.
Business interests and wealth source
Frederick Tappan is a longtime Memphis pastor, educator, and community leader who has served Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church for 29 years 3. He works as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies 3. Tappan is also a published author and former journalist 3.
Available sources do not provide specific details regarding Tappanâs business ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the specific source of his wealth. Consequently, no financial disclosure facts or business background details beyond his current employment roles are included here.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record â search by last name on each.
Tennessee â campaign finance (search)
- State offices (Governor, US Senate, US Rep, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee) â Tennessee Registry of Election Finance. Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “Tappan”, and submit.
- County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) â most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“Tappan”).
Tennessee â statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates â Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “Tappan”and, if needed, select the applicable position.