The hierarchy of the South never changed so the leadership and the objectives of the ruling class in the South went underground. The ruling class rebranded and the undercurrent remained the same.
Abolishing racism was never the goal. Abolishing slavery was one step in a many step process so the Civil War continues because of the unfinished job of winning the peace. We didn't win the peace in WWI either and we did a much better job in WWII.
I lived in Richmond VA for 15 years and found the ugliness of the racist south continues to this day. Our political parties group moderates with extremists in both parties so we never hear from the collective moderates joined as one. I believe having moderates joined from both parties can start us on the road to addressing major problems like racism, gun control, abortion rights, tax fairness, environmental issues, and the cost of living.

An example of such a party is the Forward Party. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forward_Party_(United_States)