HOUSTON -- A coalition of community groups called for a one-day boycott of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo because they said the board that oversees the event is not diverse enough and the scholarship money isn't going where it's supposed to, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

"Those who grew up in Houston consider the livestock show and rodeo part of our lives," State Sen. Mario Gallegos said.

The coalition of black and Hispanic leaders said one of the city's biggest and most profitable annual events needs to be more inclusive and transparent.

"It's time to break the good old boy system of the rodeo," said Johnny Mata with the G.I. Forum.

They called for a boycott on March 13.

"We will have a livestock show that is representative of all parts of Texas and the nation … of change, productivity and respect," U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee said.

The show of unity came on the heels of Gallegos' attempt to pass a new law at the state capitol that he said would force the rodeo to comply with the Open Records Act, utilize more women and minority businesses and incorporate diversity on its executive board.

"To put in legislation that makes a private organization a public entity … is beyond belief," said Leroy Shafer, chief operating officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Shafer said Gallegos' bill could have a chilling impact on all nonprofit groups by dictating how they should operate.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo said that it has awarded almost $12 million in scholarships in the last two years with more than half going to minorities.