{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nFrederick 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].\n\nTappan\u2019s 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 Memphis\u2019 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].\n\n## Background and education\n\nDr. Frederick De\u2019Wayne 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].\n\nTappan holds a graduate degree from the Harvard Leadership Institute [3].\n\n## Career\n\nDr. Frederick De\u2019Wayne Tappan, Sr. is a pastor who has served as the senior pastor of Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church in Memphis for 29 years [2][11]. 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].\n\nTappan 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].\n\n## Office history\n\nFrederick 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].\n\nTappan 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].\n\nTappan 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].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nFrederick 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].\n\nTappan\u2019s 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].\n\nAs 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].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nFrederick 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].\n\nAvailable sources do not provide specific details regarding Tappan\u2019s 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.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Frederick Tappan - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Frederick_Tappan)\n[2] (source #2 not in master list)\n[3] [Meet Frederick Tappan SR](https://www.tappanforschoolboard.com/)\n[4] [Videos - Meet Frederick Tappan SR](https://www.tappanforschoolboard.com/videos)\n[5] [Here are the Democratic Memphis school board candidates running ...](https://dailymemphian.com/article/61985/democratic-memphis-school-candidates-district-6)\n[6] [Voter guide: Memphis school board District 6 Democratic candidates - Chalkbeat](https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2026/04/14/voter-guide-memphis-shelby-county-schools-board-election-district-6/)\n[7] [2 incumbents hold MSCS board seats - FOX 13 Memphis](https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/2-incumbents-hold-mscs-board-seats-2-newcomers-head-to-general-election/article_6c9b3057-1743-41d8-b3d6-8e88f9aa3246.html)\n[8] [Memphis 2026 school board primary election: live updates - Chalkbeat](https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2026/05/05/memphis-school-board-primary-election-results-2026/)\n[9] [Memphis\u2019 first partisan school board election draws no Republican candidates - Chalkbeat](https://www.chalkbeat.org/tennessee/2026/02/23/memphis-2026-partisan-primary-draws-no-republican-candidates/)\n[10] [I'm Dr Frederick Tappan and I Need your vote and support ...](https://www.facebook.com/frederick.tappan/posts/im-dr-frederick-tappan-and-i-need-your-vote-and-support-as-i-seek-to-represent-y/10229425921889745/)\n[11] [About Us - Eureka True Vine](https://eurekatruevine.com/about-us)","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_6","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"County School Board District 6"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Frederick","fullname":"Frederick Tappan","lastname":"Tappan","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_school_board_district_6","contest_title":"County School Board District 6","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":"shelby","office_key":"county_school_board_division_6","office_title":"County School Board Division 6","party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":"shelby","cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_school_board_district_6","contest_title":"County School Board District 6","county":"shelby","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":"shelby","office_key":"county_school_board_division_6","office_title":"County School Board Division 6","party":"I","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"I","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_school_board_division_6","office_title":"County School Board Division 6","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Dr. Frederick De'Wayne Tappan, Sr. is a Democratic candidate for Memphis School Board District 6, formerly a Tennessee State Senate candidate and pastor of Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church.","terms":[],"token":"hWsNj3JqMv"}