El Negro Matapacos, also legendarily known as Bebe’, was a Chilean stray dog that earned his street cred by participating – and even leading protests in Santiago, Chile in 2011, to demand access to free, public education. His rise came again as a symbol in 2019-2020 protests in resistance toward police violence. Bebe’s name actually translates to Black Cop Killer.

Bebe’ has been paid tribute to all over the world with murals and statues made in his honor. Although he had a caregiver, he was a dog of, and for, the people. Bebe’ was a mascot for equality and righteousness, particularly in the eyes of the college students that he marched alongside with in solidarity, pushing for a new framework for education in the country.

He became popular with the university students, especially in Santiago during their street demonstrations against the Carabineros de Chile, the Chilean national police force, and their strongarm tactics in oppressing the Chilean citizens that dared to speak out. Bebe’ was in the front of the pack, barking furiously and defending his fellow protesters from the police. What can be said? Dogs can often sniff out bad people.

Bebe’ was loved by a great many, and the one who looked after him and made sure he was always protest-ready, equipped with his signature red bandana, was María Campos. She fed and cared for Bebe’, and loved him as her own, even though she knew he belonged to the people of the movement that came to be known as the March of Penguins, which referred to the black and white uniforms worn by high school students. Click here to listen to the fantastic bilingual podcast of Maria’s interview, or to read the transcript: https://podcast.duolingo.com/episode-79-el-perro-que-protesto-the-dog-who-protested?fbclid=IwAR0MSzzbOsDB9e0XmTh0ElelROCMQvqwpaGBlDkg3zQeHAf_IqgV7sIY5NM

Bebe’ is the stuff legends are made of,. He left behind 32 of his offspring to carry on the torch for unity and strength for the people of Chile and the ongoing fight for dignity and equal treatment in education. Long Live Bebe’!