Groups of black women - are these church-related basketball teams?

[jgf_photos_and_antiques]

What denomination is the religious man in the middle? Presyterian? The women holding their fingers up look like they are dressed as circa 1940s female basketball players. The man in the tux, is he a church-related singer? Any information would be appreciated!

[melda58]

I very much doubt these people have anything to do with basketball at least insofar as these photos are concerned.  Women did not dress like that to play basketball even in the 40s.  Here is a 1940 women's basketball team:

To me this looks like school uniforms at top, and graduation white dresses with corsages at bottom.  Could be a religious based school for maybe nursing.  Two different groups of women. 

Rita

[sonomabarn67]

The man in the center is the same though. Cracking a smile in the 2nd pic.

[debora_34_]

Certainly not an athletic team with those careful coiffures.  Shirtwaist dresses with middy blouse styling.  Probably taken during World War II.  They could well be a singing group.   Second photo offers few clues.  But that's the same minister.  Nothing written on back?

Debora