Is affirmative action reverse racism & why do people who claim to be against racism, support it?

Why do we still need to practice discrimination in our society today? If civil rights leaders took a stand to denounce any form of racism, favortism and "getting even for past sins", wouldn't that bring people together and help heal wounds? By promoting cl envy, reverse racsim and selective "hate", these leaders lose their credibility to everyone excpet those who exploit the poor and minorities for persoanl gain.