Megan Thee Stallion shares letter she received from Rep. Maxine Waters

Megan Thee Stallion has earned several honors this year, but one that she especially appreciated was a personalized letter from Rep. Maxine Waters. On Instagram, the Houston rapper revealed that Waters wrote her a letter last month in response to her New York Times op-ed, in which reflected on her traumatic shooting, institutionalized racism and sexism, the rallying cry of “Protect Black women” and more.

“I read the op-ed you wrote that appeared in the New York Times recently and I can’t thank you enough for bringing much needed attention to the plight of Black women, not just here in the United States — but everywhere,” Waters began her letter. “You are so right that Black women have paved the way and have done so by leading with courage and bravery.” 

“There is also this notion, which you touched upon, that we as Black women have the ability to bear a heavier burden than everyone else in this society,” Waters wrote. “That notion contributes to the lack of care and attention to the issues that specifically affect us. While we are too often overlooked, there is no doubt that Black women are a glue for our families and communities, and a crucial part of the fabric of this country.”

Waters further applauded Megan for her successful year, writing, “I am so incredibly proud of you and how you have used your voice to uplift Black women.”

“I know that Black women and girls everywhere thank you for the way you so fiercely have their back,” she added.

Megan posted the full message on Instagram and wrote that receiving the letter from the congresswoman was “one of the highlights of my year.”

“I am so honored to be recognized by such an amazing woman and I promise to keep using my voice and encourage others to use theirs!” she added.

Megan recently became a Grammy-nominated artist and was also included in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of the year. Read her post and Waters’ full letter below.