By Mark Abrams

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Students at an Overbrook Park charter school are marking the holiday with a feast that also celebrates their African-American heritage.

It was a party atmosphere in the lunch room at the Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School Wednesday.

The school’s chief executive officer, Masai Skief, says it’s a Thanksgiving celebration and more.

“’Umoja Karamu’ is key Swahili for ‘unity feast’ and it was a time to give acknowledgment to the different periods we had as Africans and African-Americans.”

Samira, an eighth-grader, says the best part is the potluck lunch prepared by teachers and parents.

“Macaroni and cheese, greens, yams, fried chicken.”

Tasasha Darden, treasurer of the school’s PTA says there’s a lesson the celebration aims to impart.

“It brings the kids together, it brings the school together and shows that we are one big family,” she said.