The Shepherd of District 6: Why Dr. Frederick De’Wayne Tappan, Sr. is the Heartbeat Memphis Schools Need
Meet The Candidates | April 20, 2026
From 29 years in the pulpit to the front lines of youth advocacy, Dr. Frederick Tappan is running to bring experience and heart to MSCS District 6.

As part of our commitment to voter education, JustMyMemphis provides nonpartisan profiles of candidates running for local office. This profile is based on public records and information provided by the candidate’s campaign.

Professional Background and Education

Dr. Frederick De’Wayne Tappan, Sr. is a lifelong Memphian with a background spanning theology, journalism, and community advocacy. For the past 29 years, he has served as the Senior Pastor of Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church. Beyond the pulpit, his professional career includes work as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies, an organization focused on community safety and intervention.

Dr. Tappan’s educational history includes serving as the Dean of the Memphis Theological Institute and as an instructor at Southwest Tennessee Community College. He is a graduate of the Harvard Leadership Institute, which informs his approach to organizational management and public service.

Quick Facts: Dr. Frederick Tappan, Sr.

Community and Youth Advocacy

Dr. Tappan’s work in District 6 is characterized by a "Village Concept" approach to community health. As the Executive Director of the Memphis Area Youth Association, he has worked to create support systems for students outside of the classroom. His role as a Legal Analyst involves navigating the intersections of the justice system and social services, providing him with direct insight into the challenges facing high-risk youth in Memphis.

He has also contributed to various local boards, including the Salvation Army and Saving Lost Kids, focusing on issues of safety and family stability.

Platform and Key Priorities

According to his campaign, Dr. Tappan’s platform for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board centers on three primary pillars:

Voter Information

The general election for Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board District 6 will take place on August 6, 2026. Dr. Tappan is running as an independent candidate. For more information regarding his platform, voters can visit his official campaign website.

Candidate Website: www.tappanforschoolboard.com


JustMyMemphis does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. Our mission is to provide neutral information to help citizens make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Learn more about Edward M Holt Jr

As part of our commitment to voter education, JustMyMemphis provides nonpartisan profiles of candidates running for local office. This profile is based on public records and information provided by the candidate’s campaign.

Professional Background and Education

Dr. Frederick De’Wayne Tappan, Sr. is a lifelong Memphian with a background spanning theology, journalism, and community advocacy. For the past 29 years, he has served as the Senior Pastor of Eureka TrueVine Baptist Church. Beyond the pulpit, his professional career includes work as a Regional Case Manager and Legal Analyst for Memphis Allies, an organization focused on community safety and intervention.

Dr. Tappan’s educational history includes serving as the Dean of the Memphis Theological Institute and as an instructor at Southwest Tennessee Community College. He is a graduate of the Harvard Leadership Institute, which informs his approach to organizational management and public service.

Quick Facts: Dr. Frederick Tappan, Sr.

Community and Youth Advocacy

Dr. Tappan’s work in District 6 is characterized by a "Village Concept" approach to community health. As the Executive Director of the Memphis Area Youth Association, he has worked to create support systems for students outside of the classroom. His role as a Legal Analyst involves navigating the intersections of the justice system and social services, providing him with direct insight into the challenges facing high-risk youth in Memphis.

He has also contributed to various local boards, including the Salvation Army and Saving Lost Kids, focusing on issues of safety and family stability.

Platform and Key Priorities

According to his campaign, Dr. Tappan’s platform for the Memphis-Shelby County School Board centers on three primary pillars:

Voter Information

The general election for Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board District 6 will take place on August 6, 2026. Dr. Tappan is running as an independent candidate. For more information regarding his platform, voters can visit his official campaign website.

Candidate Website: www.tappanforschoolboard.com


JustMyMemphis does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. Our mission is to provide neutral information to help citizens make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Learn more about Edward M Holt Jr

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