Menthol cigarettes are killing Black Americans. Advocates are suing the government to change that

A deadline for the White House to review a proposal to ban the extra-addictive cigarettes expired last month with no action

A 1963 ad for Kool cigarettes features a Black man and woman, both holding lit cigarettes. The man, smiling, gazes down at the woman, who looks into the distance as she blows a stream of smoke from her mouth. The accompanying text reads: Only Kool gives you rich, mellow tobaccos ... and extra coolness ... a refreshing coolness you draw so smoothly through Kool's pure white filter ... from the very first cigarette in the morning, to your last cigarette at night."

A 1971 ad from the cigarette brand L&M depicts a Black woman enjoying a luxurious bath. One arm dangles off the side of the tub, while the other holds a lit cigarette. Everybody's in bed and I'll be soon, but not yet, because the bath is so soothing and I can relax" the ad reads. This ... is the L&M moment."