I get what you're saying; that the VC industry should "just do it" rather than make a splash by announcing a program. However, if someone is in one of these minority groups, and has tried to raise funding in a very white, male dominated VC industry, I'd guess that when pitching, sometimes either the rapport was off or they felt that the other side didn't wholly understand you.

I'm not saying that it's intentional on the VC end, because it's human nature to go with who or what you understand and feel comfortable with.

By announcing a program like this, it may encourage minorities to seek advice, when they otherwise might not have.