Final answer:
The impetus for the riot was the frustration and anger of black residents towards their oppressive conditions, leading them to target specific businesses and properties. Black-owned stores were usually spared.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impetus for the riot that took place in the town square was most likely the collective frustration and anger of the black residents towards the conditions they faced from employers, landlords, and the government. Similar riots in other cities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries were sparked by the same reasons. During these riots, the buildings and symbols targeted were not random; black residents specifically singled out stores that refused to hire black workers and the property of slumlords who mistreated black tenants. Black-owned stores were usually spared.