Race will continue to be a bludgeon until the other side (Republican, conservative, us...whatever name you want to give the other side) shoves it back down their throat by pointing out that the first man in any incident who makes the claim of racism is the racist. Whether he is white, black, brown or zebra striped.
As long as it is useful, it will be used.
Consequently, ‘racism’ was resurrected so that they would not be left flatfooted when politicians make their careers and campaign on actual and relevant issues in this country. Because of this, Liberals only see America at a remove of about 4 decades...and that's how they campaign too.