Last week, when news spread that a protest was set for the grounds of the State Capitol, a number of people voiced their concern of its legitimacy.

The names of the event’s organizers didn’t ring any bells with longtime local activists and agitators. This, some suggested, was a clue that the people behind the event might not be legitimate. Others went as far to suggest that the protest, which was part of a national effort, could be a “false flag” operation.

For those not familiar with the phrase from naval warfare in the 17th century, the term “false flag” originated when political or military forces wanted to shift blame or cause confusion. Back then, they would fly the flag of another nation, while perpetuating an attempt at sabotage and deception. War is a brutal business, isn’t it? Given the deceptive nature of this tactic, it’s hard to document how many times it’s been attempted throughout history, but the idea of the tactic remains a concern with some organizations. Given the current occupant of the White House, it’s hard to overestimate his ability to undermine those on the opposite side of the political spectrum, whom he likely considers his enemies.

Media types also were skeptical of the protest. Of course, that’s part of our job. We’re expected to analyze and not to take things at face value. So when a protest materialized quickly and couldn’t be traced back to any of the familiar names, many of us raised an eyebrow. Soon, we learned why the name of the organizer yielded few details in our internet searches – she was an eighth-grade student.

“We can organize, because there is strength in our united numbers and our voices are the most powerful tool,” said Dia Figueroa, a resident of Annandale in her speech to the crowd at the Bell Tower. “We need to make this happen again and again until they see us.”

In the end, the protest wasn’t a “false flag” operation, or a ploy to deceive or mislead the public. Instead, it was a demonstration of the power of youths and their growing frustration with the status quo. The protest focused on issues such as the president’s executive orders, the erosion of transgender rights and the administration’s crackdown on immigration. The legitimacy of the event didn’t lie in the names of the organizers but in the cause they rallied behind.

Perhaps it’s a reminder that the next generation, fueled by the political climate around them, is ready to step into the fray now and won’t be ignored. Make room.