This disclosure features a persistent phosphor having the following formula I: Sra,Cab,BacAl2-m-n-o-pOd:Euy,REz,Bm,Znn,Coo,Scp  I where a and b each range from about 0.3 to about 0.7; c is between about 0 and about 0.1; 0.75≦a+b+c+y+z≦1.3; y is between about 0.0005 and about 0.1; RE is any rare earth element alone or in combination; z is between about 0.0005 and about 0.15; m is between about 0.0005 and about 0.30; n is between about 0 and about 0.10; o is between about 0 and about 0.01; p is between about 0 and about 0.10 and d ranges from about 3.945 to about 4.075. Once the persistent phosphor has been excited it appears white in an absence of ambient light. Also featured is an article of manufacture that includes the phosphor.