In a turbulent year that's included allegedly being shot then battling an onslaught of misogynoir, Megan Thee Stallion received a letter of high esteem from Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

The artist, who recently wrote a New York Times op-ed illustrating the plights of Black women, went to Instagram on Tuesday to share Waters' heartwarming response to her piece.  

"One of the highlights of my year was getting a letter from Congresswoman Maxine Waters," the 25-year-old musician wrote. "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!"

 

In the letter, Waters thanked the rapper for bringing attention to the issues facing Black women around the world. 

"You are so right that Black women have paved the way and have done so by leading with courage and bravery," the 82-year-old wrote. "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. That notion contributes to the lack of care and attention to the issues that specifically affect us." 

Waters, affectionately known as Auntie Maxine, said Megan has overcome the obstacles in her way and achieved success in her career, proving herself as a reflection of Black women who continue to serve as the glue for their families and communities despite often being overlooked. 

"I'm so incredibly proud of you and how you have used your voice to uplift Black women," the Los Angeles representative said. "I know that Black women and girls everywhere thank you for the way you so fiercely have their back. I want you to know that I have your back too."

In her op-ed for The New York Times, the "WAP" artist reflected on the incident involving Tory Lanez, who allegedly shot her after an argument earlier this year, as Blavity previously reported. The artist said she stayed silent after the incident out of fear for herself and her friends. She also said she felt discouraged after seeing the number of people who questioned the story and blamed her for the confrontation.

"After a lot of self-reflection on that incident, I’ve realized that violence against women is not always connected to being in a relationship," Megan wrote. "Instead, it happens because too many men treat all women as objects, which helps them to justify inflicting abuse against us when we choose to exercise our own free will."

The Houston native said people are often worried about how they are perceived by others, but the challenge is even greater for Black women, who struggle against stereotypes and are seen as angry when they try to stand up for themselves and for each other. 

Megan said she was anticipating more criticism from the public after using the Saturday Night Live stage to call out Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, who refused to indict the officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor. But the musician moved forward with inspiration from the late civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis, who always said to make “good trouble, necessary trouble.”

"I’m not afraid of criticism. We live in a country where we have the freedom to criticize elected officials," the "Hot Girl Summer" artist said. "And it’s ridiculous that some people think the simple phrase 'protect Black women' is controversial. We deserve to be protected as human beings. And we are entitled to our anger about a laundry list of mistreatment and neglect that we suffer."

Waters encouraged the rapper to continue speaking up for her community.

"I hope that during these trying times you take comfort in knowing that I am fighting for you and all Black women every single day," the congresswoman wrote. "Stay well, keep fighting and take care. We need your voice in this fight."