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Guinness World Records Day

A woman who broke the world record for largest afro spoke about the need to celebrate our natural hair.

“For me, breaking this record confirms that the things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated,” Jessica L. Martinez, 29, told PEOPLE exclusively.

“The things that make us different and unique should always be celebrated,” said Jessica, whose afro measures over 6 feet.

“It amplifies what I have always known deep down, that natural hair is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle,” she added.

Jessica, a justice advocate and creator and CEO of Somebody’s Auntie — said her relationship with her hair “feels like a long-lasting friendship.”

“My hair and I have gone through ups and downs over the years, and at the end of a long day, it’s just the two of us preparing for whatever tomorrow might bring,” she continued.

Jessica has inspired others to make a statement by burning their wigs and wearing their natural afros and twists.

Gen Z has also followed the movement by shunning synthetic hair that causes cancer.

America taught the Black community to cover our natural hair with synthetic, unnatural hair because it fits their acceptable standard of beauty.