What does the flag of confederation mean and stand for?

I think it was the flag that was flown by the Rebels in the south during the Civil War. Many blacks feel that it is a sign of racism. I'm black, but I don't think the flag in itself is racist. Maybe some people who fly it are racist, but some racists also fly the American flag. Does this mean we shouldn't allow the American flag to fly, no, I think not. It's not like the Confederate flag is a flag to honor Ben-Ladin.